"Four short years ago, Microsoft unveiled its new framework/engine for programming and running applications in a virtual environment, and the world was stunned. Microsoft had introduced a run-time environment that was for the first time a true 'write once, run everywhere' implementation, but that was far from being the end. With .NET 3.0 on the loom, NeoSmart Technologies takes a look at how far .NET has come and just how long it can keep going."

Microsoft had introduced a run-time environment that was for the first time a true 'write once, run everywhere' implementation

I call BS and FUD. Java had this years earlier. The only reason that .NET was any different to Java's similar claims is that MSFT limited the scope of the runtime, only releasing it for certain editions of its OS and only its OS, not OSX or other UNIXes. Java is the same way when you focus on the same limitations - any Java 1.2 app will run on any J2SE v1.2 VM. Just don't try running J2EE apps on your cellphone's J2ME VM as they are different platforms and are a world appart.

Then I could get into the whole "well of course .NET works like that, it is based on Java" but nobody else agrees with me on that one so I'll shut up :o)